Hike Coordinator: Penny Groth
Narration by Penny Groth
Fifteen eager hikers gathered on a cold (but dry!) morning at the courthouse. Destination: Heceta Head lighthouse and trail! Upon our arrival at the lighthouse, we were joined by 10 – 15 Striders (Coos Bay hiking club). So, well, there was a mob of us (a friendly one)!!
Leaving the parking lot, we journeyed up the half mile wooded path, passing the picturesque caretakers house, then on to the lighthouse. Then up, up along the trail, including a lot of fairly steep stairs (bun-burners for sure – ha)! Alas … the reward at the top – an awesome view of the ocean.
Continuing through a beautiful stand of Hemlock, we crossed Hwy 101 and hopped onto the Valley Trail: peaceful, lush green forest, wetlands, ponds and creek runoff. At Washburn State Park, we crossed back over Hwy 101. Just in time for lunch on the beach. Oh my, what a pretty February day! Sun AND no wind. We found the perfect log to perch … we resembled a lineup of turtles on a log in a pond. But nope, it was us basking in the sunshine!
We toodled along the beach, then up the Hobbit Trail (no hobbits sighted) where we intersected with our beginning trail. It was a little sunnier on our return trek, so that awesome view of the ocean on our way up – well might have been a bit more awesome!!
We did a tad more than 7 miles, 7.2 to be exact. With lots of up and down, this trail offers a variety of scenery for the eyes and soul. Rest assured, it’s a good one!
Pictures below by Penny Groth
